Benham Falls via Deschutes River Trail near Bend
Benham Falls is located between Bend and Sunriver along the Upper Deschutes River. The falls are roaring rapids through the volcanic canyon, while the trail to the falls is absolutely peaceful.
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Deschutes River Trail to Benham Falls Stats
Trailhead: Benham Falls East Day Use Area
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: ⚪ Easy based on OK Which Way’s rating system
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation: about 4200 feet
Planning Your Visit
Location: Off Forest Road 9702, near Lava Lands Visitor Center. About 25 minute drive south of Bend
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time
Seasonal Closures: Check current conditions, the area may be closed due to weather
Parking: Benham Falls East Day Use Area
Park Pass Needed: Both the NW Forest Pass and NPS America the Beautiful Pass are accepted
Entrance Fee: $5/car. Fee station is not available on site. You can get a pass at the Lava Lands Visitor Center or other Forest Service offices. click here to see current fee pricing
Trail Map: Link to AllTrails Map
Pets: Leashed dogs permitted
Where to Start
There is a parking lot located at the Benham Falls East Day Use area. If it is full, cars also park along the road. The path also intersects with the Sun Lava Path from Sunriver, making it possible to bike from your vacation home to Benham Falls.
From the trailhead, follow the paved path across the bridge that spans the river.
Deschutes River Trail
The path then continues along the Deschutes River Trail. The path is great. It’s relatively flat and fairly wide – however, do be looking for bikes since they use the trail too.
Not far from the start of the trail is a peak across the river at the 7000 year old lava field.
Share the Trail
Since it connects with a trail coming from Sunriver, bikes are common.
Benham Falls West Trailhead
The trail eventually reaches the West Trailhead. There is parking here, too, but to reach it is a different route than the one to the Day Use area. Once here, you will veer off down a short, zig zagging section to an overlook of the falls.
Benham Falls Overlook
The overlook is a small platform that has a view through the canyon at the falls. The churning and force of nature is mesmerizing.
This is the turn around point to head back to the Day Use area, however the trail does continue to Dillon Falls if your day allows for a longer hike.
Benham Falls Stats
Waterfall Height: 25 feet
Waterfall Type: Cascade
Watershed: Deschutes River
Source: Deschutes River
Rapids: The rapids at and near Benham Falls are rated Class III – Class V
Alternative View
Final Thoughts
The Deschutes River Trail to Benham Falls never disappoints with the rugged lava flows, towering ponderosa pines and the rather aggressive rapids. It remains one of my favorite central Oregon hikes, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Optional Items to Bring
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This trail review is based only on Jennifer’s experience. Hike at your own risk with the understanding that individual scenarios in a natural environment will be variable.
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